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Since the sequel to Beetlejuice is actually happening, of course the next step is discussing which cast members are going to return. We alr...

Thursday, August 22, 2013

[Update] Ben Affleck to play Batman

Apparently being in one bad comic book movie wasn't enough. Warner Bros. announced today after much speculation who will be playing Bruce Wayne (aka, Batman) in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel, Batman vs. Superman. That man is Ben Affleck.

Affleck previously played Matt Murdock (aka, Daredevil) in the 2003 Marvel bomb Daredevil. That movie spawned Elektra which was another awful movie, but that's another story. Despite it all, he did win Oscars and Golden Globes for his 2012 movie Argo so he does have some credibility. His Batman predecessors include Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale.
One plus side about this whole ordeal is the story is describing Batman as a man older than Clark Kent who has already seen the battle scars, so hopefully this means we don't have to sit through yet another Batman origins story. If we do I might scream.

Now, this is some interesting news as it was previously rumored that Ben Affleck was set to direct Justice League. With this casting it does give some potential for Affleck to direct Justice League if Zack Snyder doesn't do it. Either way this is an interesting choice for me. I was not hoping for or expecting Ben Affleck. This is going to be interesting.

Batman vs. Superman (aka, Man of Steel 2) is set for release on July 17, 2015.

Here is the Warner Bros. press release:

"Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman,
a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an
entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled
project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the
big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which
he established in “Man of Steel.” The announcement was made today by
Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide
Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and
International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.
Last month’s surprise announcement of the new movie featuring both
Superman and Batman created a wave of excitement and immediately fueled
discussion and debate—among fans as well as in the media—about who would
put on the cape and cowl of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.
Snyder successfully re-imagined the origin of Clark Kent/Superman in the
worldwide blockbuster “Man of Steel,” which has earned more than $650
million worldwide to date, and climbing. The director will now create
an original vision of Batman and his world for the film that brings the
two DC Comics icons together.
Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of
Superman/Clark Kent. The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars
Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.
In the announcement, Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an
extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular
Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some.
His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and
Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.”
Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck,
noting, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s
Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a
man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a
seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in
billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”
Kroll added, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’
remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously
gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already
much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”
Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture
“Argo,” which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA
Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number
of directing honors. In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime
thriller “The Town.” His recent acting work also includes “The Company
Men,” “State of Play,” and “Hollywoodland,” for which he received a
Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck
starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) “Good Will Hunting,” for which
he won an Oscar® for Best Original Screenplay.
The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story
he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are
producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller
serving as executive producers.
Production is expected to begin in 2014.
The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel &
Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC
Entertainment."

[UPDATE] Ben Affleck has signed on for multiple films. Read about it here.

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